VG-8ex Patch change problem

Started by Robbin-Rohner, March 07, 2017, 03:10:19 PM

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Robbin-Rohner

I can change all the patches all the way up to E84 using the pedals,
but when I use the switch on my Godin Freeway SA, the lil red led
next to the 'Page' button lights briefly only when I push it to the down position
but not on the up position,
but the patches don't change at all. I know it's not a problem with the Godin,
because it works perfectly with my GR-20. Anyone ever have this problem,
or know what's going on and how to fix it?
I did a whole system reset to the factory settings, but that didn't help.

I owe it to this board for learning that what I thought was early VG-8 is in fact an EX. Thanx for that!  :)

P.S. Is there anyway of knowing the date of manufacture from the serial #, which is ZM22303M.
When looking for the S#,just now, I noticed one sure way to know if it's a EX, it says so on the sticker.  ;D
Robbin

Elantric

#1
Clean your Gk 13 pin Cable - or try a different 13 pin cable

It might be oxidized contacts on the VG-8 female GK 13 pin jack
( common problem)
or if this same guitar and same cable works fine with your Roland GR-20
it might be a defective VG-8 EX ( these are 20 years old)

learn about cleaning GK 13 pin connections
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.0


VG-8  / VG-8EX FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11090.0


BTW the 1998-1999 VG-8EX is the one with the FX labels (Mod, Delay, Reverb, etc) printed on the chassis above foot switches



vs the original 1995 -1997 VG-8

Robbin-Rohner

Thank you, but it's a brand new genuine Roland cable.
Hmm, maybe it's the socket on the unit?
Could be some gunk in there, it's been lying around unprotected for a long while.
Bad Robbin, bad bad Robbin!  :-[

I have some fine round needle files that might do the trick.

R

admin

#3
Follow the steps outlined here

learn about cleaning GK 13 pin connections
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=3132.0

To remove and breakdown this invisible film (new cables)  , or remove / clean the oxidation layer (old cables) from the Cable & Connector contacts, perform the following sequence  :

1 ) Apply a small amount of Caig De-Oxit D5 to all 13pin connections on both ends of the cable. Dont forget the 13 pin connectors on your Guitar and your processor (VG-99,GR-55, VG-8, etc)

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DeoxIT



2) At one end of the Roland GK13 pin cable, Depress the Cable lock on the 13pin male DIN plug end. 

3) While keeping the Cable lock depressed, rapidly insert and remove the 13 pin male DIN plug end at the GR-55 / VG-99 "GK IN" jack. Rapidly do this at least 10 times.

4) Swap cable ends.

5) Repeat Step #3 above.

6) Now, while keeping the Cable lock depressed, rapidly insert and remove the 13 pin male DIN plug end at the GK-3 "GK IN" jack.  Rapidly do this at least 10 times.

7) Swap cable ends.

8 ) Repeat Step #6 above.


---
The above procedure may restore your older Roland GK 13 cables, because over a period of time, the electrical connections are exposed to air and tend to develop an oxidation layer that restricts proper electron flow.

Heres a Link to Caig DeOxit - they even sell it at your local Radio Shack now.
USE SPARINGLY
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxIT-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B00006LVEU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1488933008&sr=1-1&keywords=caig+deoxit

Robbin-Rohner

I made a error in my explanation of the symptoms.
The little red led that comes on while I push the patch change switch down on the Godin,
appears in the Patch # window in the lower right corner, not the one next to the 'page' button.
There is also a very low volume thump from the pa when I push the switch up or down.
I've got a new battery, and am going to open the case and change out the old one.
At the same time, I'll blow it out with one of those duster cans.
I noticed somewhere that that works on a dusty display also, which mine has.
Don't know if it will do any good, but I'm gonna call Roland when I'm finished, maybe they can help.
Worst scenario is I have a VG-8ex that works using the pedals, but not the guitar switch.
R

mooncaine

Och, just look at that VG-8, really look at it. Built like a tank. Just brilliant.

Robbin-Rohner

Can the patches on the Vg-8 be changed using only the up and down buttons on the GK-2 (and newer) pickups?